English: MTDC gears up for ‘New Mahabaleshwar’ project

Published on December 23, 2008 by admin News4-Travel Desk, ‘New Mahabaleshwar’ project is yet again on the radar of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for developing the Mahabaleshwar site. MTDC has started working on the project to replicate the existing hill station of Mahabaleshwar in Satara district. In early 2000, MTDC informed that it was planning to invest around Rs 1,000 crore for the development of the new project, which is spread across 6000 hectares of land. The new project will extend its current base (Mahabaleshwar) to Koyna Dam. After completing the feasibility study on the upcoming site, MTDC is currently going ahead with the development of ‘New Mahabaleshwar’ project, which will be near the existing hill station of Mahabaleshwar.

According to Vijay Chavan, General Manager, MTDC, “Existing Mahabaleshwar is no more a summer destination, but is becoming a round the year destination. It is most popular among the travellers in Maharashtra and is one of the preferred hill stations for short haul markets like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, etc.” The reason behind the development of new site is due to over saturation of the current site. “During the peak season (March – June), the demand for hotel rooms are much higher than supply. The new site will open new destinations for frequent travellers and will open new avenues for suppliers. It is a huge project and will take a minimum of five to eight years to be completed,” added Chavan. Currently, Mahabaleshwar along with Panchgani (18 km away from Mahabaleshwar) are promoted as hill stations, while Tapola (30km away from Mahabaleshwar) is promoted as an adventure site (closed from June – October).

Chavan also informed that Government of Maharashtra owns a good portion of land at the new site. “We have requested the government to pass on the site for tourism development. Once we get a good amount of area, we will invite hoteliers to give their tenders for the same. I’m sure top hotel and resort chains along with budget hotels will show keen interest to expand their operations at this new site,” stated Chavan. Apart from ‘New Mahabaleshwar’ site, MTDC is also going to develop Toranmal hill-station in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra. Currently, Toranmal hill-station is the second coolest hill-station in Maharashtra and is slowly getting popular among domestic and international tourists. Chavan said, “Toranmal hill-station holds immense tourism potential for the state. The investment figures for developing the hill-station are still getting finalised, but we are trying to start the project as soon as possible